Portret van Ghisbertus Masius 1710 - 1725

This engraving portrays Ghisbertus Masius, a bishop, immortalized by Jan Baptist Jongelinx. The somber attire and square hat, symbols of ecclesiastical authority, speak to the bishop's solemn role. But let's not overlook the coat of arms, a tradition dating back to medieval heraldry. The heraldic shield is not merely a marker of identity, but a symbol laden with aspiration, lineage, and power. Think of how these symbols—the eagle, the lion, the cross—reverberate through centuries, appearing on flags, emblems, and even corporate logos today. They evoke feelings of national pride, religious fervor, and even corporate loyalty, mirroring the deep, often unconscious, psychological connections to symbols of authority and belonging. This portrait reminds us that images are never static; they are constantly evolving, accumulating new layers of meaning, and engaging our emotions in ways that echo through time.